The global trade calendar will never be empty of international product introduction events for import and export products. One of the most prestigious is the Canton Fair. Officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, this exhibition is very grand and has existed since 1957 in Guangzhou, China. World-class manufacturers from various industries display their products at this biannual exhibition, attracting buyers and business professionals from all over the world.
Since its inception, the Canton Fair has maintained its appeal by showcasing products from a wide range of sectors every spring and autumn. Over time, the exhibition has developed into a major international platform where exporters and importers from different industries can meet, exchange ideas, and build long-term business relationships.
This exhibition is the result of cooperation between the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Guangdong Province. Planning and operational support from the China Foreign Trade Center further strengthen the reputation and performance of the organizer.
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Why the Canton Fair Remains Relevant for Global Trade
Beyond being a product exhibition, the Canton Fair functions as a strategic gateway to China’s manufacturing and export ecosystem. International buyers attend not only to source finished goods, but also to identify OEM manufacturers, component suppliers, and long-term production partners across multiple industries.
Unlike single-industry expos, the Canton Fair covers a complete supply-chain spectrum, allowing visitors to compare suppliers, evaluate production capabilities, and assess quality standards within one centralized venue. This makes the event especially valuable for companies seeking scalable sourcing solutions rather than one-off purchases.
In recent years, the Canton Fair has also evolved to reflect global market trends, with increased emphasis on:
- New energy solutions
- Smart manufacturing and automation
- Environmentally friendly materials
- Digital and intelligent consumer products
This continuous adaptation is one of the key reasons the Canton Fair remains relevant and influential year after year, regardless of global economic cycles.
Key Reasons Buyers Attend the Canton Fair
| Purpose | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Product sourcing | Access to thousands of manufacturers across industries |
| OEM and ODM partnerships | Direct communication with factories |
| Market trend analysis | Early insight into product and technology trends |
| Supplier evaluation | On-site assessment of quality and capability |
| Long-term cooperation | Relationship-building beyond single transactions |
Understanding the Three-Phase Structure
Each Canton Fair session is divided into three phases to help visitors navigate the exhibition efficiently. Every phase focuses on different product categories, allowing buyers to plan their visits according to specific industry interests. While the overall structure remains consistent every year, the exact dates and exhibitor lineups may vary slightly depending on the edition.
One point deserves emphasis, because overlooking it is the most common planning mistake buyers make. Each exhibitor participates in only one phase, the one matching their product category. Attending the wrong phase means missing the suppliers you travelled for entirely, so confirm which phase covers your sector before booking travel.
| Phase | General Focus |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Industrial products, electronics, machinery, new energy |
| Phase 2 | Home, building materials, furniture, lifestyle products |
| Phase 3 | Textiles, medical, personal care, consumer goods |
For buyers sourcing HVAC components, underfloor heating parts, or heating equipment, Phase 1 is the relevant session, since it covers machinery, hardware, electrical equipment, and new energy products.
How to Attend the Canton Fair
You can register via the official Canton Fair website to attend the exhibition. After registration, overseas buyers can verify their data by selecting the “Overseas Buyers” option. Some visitors attend by invitation, which may be issued through the Canton Fair Call Center at the China Foreign Trade Center, the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office of Chinese embassies, or related Chinese foreign trade companies.
Visitors are required to hold appropriate entry documentation and obtain a buyer’s badge to enter the exhibition venue. Those entering through official invitation channels may receive assistance with visa processing and badge registration. Buyers should also check whether they qualify under China’s visa-free transit arrangements, which cover travellers from a number of countries and can be sufficient for attending a single phase, though a business visa remains necessary for longer stays. Requirements change periodically, so confirm current rules with the Chinese embassy in your country before travelling.
Visitors can search for exhibitors and products through the “Exhibitors + Products” section on the Canton Fair website. This feature helps buyers prepare in advance and locate relevant suppliers more efficiently during the event.
Language barriers are generally not a concern at the Canton Fair. Professional translators are available at the exhibition entrances and at the International Business Center. Translation and interpreter services are offered in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Spanish, and others, making communication easier for international visitors.
Canton Fair 2026 Schedule
The Canton Fair holds two sessions each year at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, each following the three-phase format.
139th Canton Fair, Spring 2026 (Completed)
The spring session ran from April 15 to May 5, 2026, with Phase 1 on April 15 to 19, Phase 2 on April 23 to 27, and Phase 3 on May 1 to 5.
140th Canton Fair, Autumn 2026 (Upcoming)
The autumn session runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026, and carries particular significance as it marks the 70th anniversary of the Canton Fair, first held in 1957. Expanded activities and higher than usual attendance are anticipated around this milestone.
| Phase | Dates | Main Categories |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | October 15 – 19, 2026 | Electronics, machinery, hardware, new energy, vehicles |
| Phase 2 | October 23 – 27, 2026 | Home products, furniture, building materials, gifts |
| Phase 3 | October 31 – November 4, 2026 | Textiles, clothing, medical, consumer goods |
Dates are subject to change, so confirm against the official Canton Fair website before making travel arrangements.
LEGOM at the Canton Fair
LEGOM has consistently participated in the Canton Fair, showcasing smart heating and thermal control solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Through continuous participation, LEGOM demonstrates its commitment to innovation, product quality, and long-term cooperation with global partners.
For buyers meeting LEGOM at the fair, the product range on display typically spans thermal actuators, wax thermostatic elements, HVAC valves, manifolds, room thermostats, and R32 heat pumps, all available on an OEM and ODM basis.
Participation History
LEGOM at the 135th Canton Fair, Spring 2024
The 135th Canton Fair, held from April 15 to 19, 2024, at Yuejiang Middle Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, showcased the forefront of heating technology. At Booth 14.3 G29.30, No. 382, visitors experienced how LEGOM heating systems set new standards through advanced components such as thermal actuators, wax thermostatic elements, R32 heat pumps, and HVAC valves.
These solutions demonstrated LEGOM’s focus on improving energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and sustainability. The exhibition provided a comprehensive look at future heating technologies while reinforcing LEGOM’s position as a reliable HVAC component supplier.
LEGOM at the 136th Canton Fair, Autumn 2024
LEGOM’s participation in the 136th Canton Fair (Phase 2) further strengthened its presence in the global HVAC market, continuing engagement with international buyers and partners.
LEGOM at the 137th Canton Fair, Spring 2025
Building on this momentum, LEGOM returned for the 137th Canton Fair in spring 2025, introducing smarter and more energy-efficient heating and thermal control solutions. Visitors were invited to explore LEGOM’s certified products, designed to meet international standards for safety, reliability, and performance.
LEGOM at the 138th Canton Fair, Autumn 2025
The 138th Canton Fair, held across October 15 to 19 and October 23 to 27, 2025, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou, once again brought together global manufacturers and international buyers across multiple industries. During this edition, LEGOM participated as an HVAC component supplier, presenting its heating and thermal control solutions to visitors from different markets.
At the exhibition, LEGOM highlighted its product range designed to support energy-efficient and reliable heating systems, including thermal actuators, thermostatic components, and HVAC control solutions. Through direct discussions and on-site demonstrations, LEGOM continued to strengthen relationships with existing partners while exploring new cooperation opportunities with international buyers.
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“The Canton Fair is where a component supplier stops being a website and becomes a real factory in someone’s mind. A buyer can hold a thermal actuator, take the housing apart, ask what the wax element is rated for, and get an answer from the person who oversees the production line. That conversation does more in ten minutes than months of email. My advice to buyers coming to Phase 1 is to arrive with your specifications written down: your pipe size, your control signal, your voltage, your certification requirement. Suppliers who can answer those on the spot are the ones worth following up with afterwards.”
— Maggie Shen, Director of Legom
Conclusion
As one of the world’s most influential trade exhibitions, the Canton Fair remains an essential event for global buyers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Its structured three-phase format, broad industry coverage, and continued focus on innovation make it relevant year after year.
By participating consistently, companies like LEGOM use the Canton Fair as a platform to present advanced technologies, build sustainable partnerships, and support long-term international cooperation. If you plan to attend an upcoming session and would like to discuss HVAC component sourcing or OEM cooperation, contact the LEGOM team in advance to arrange a meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Canton Fair 2026?
The Canton Fair holds two sessions in 2026. The 139th session, the spring edition, ran from April 15 to May 5, 2026. The 140th session, the autumn edition, runs from October 15 to November 4, 2026, divided into three phases: October 15 to 19, October 23 to 27, and October 31 to November 4. Both sessions take place at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou. The autumn 2026 session is particularly notable as it marks the 70th anniversary of the fair, which was first held in 1957.
Which phase should I attend for HVAC and heating products?
Phase 1 is the relevant session for HVAC components, heating equipment, and related hardware. It covers machinery, electronics, electrical equipment, hardware, industrial automation, and new energy products, which is where manufacturers of thermal actuators, valves, manifolds, thermostats, and heat pumps exhibit. This matters because each exhibitor attends only one phase. Arriving during Phase 2 or Phase 3 expecting to meet HVAC suppliers would mean missing them entirely, so confirm the phase before booking travel.
How do I register to attend the Canton Fair as an overseas buyer?
Overseas buyers register through the official Canton Fair website, selecting the “Overseas Buyers” option to verify their details. Pre-registration before arrival is required. Some buyers attend by invitation instead, issued through the Canton Fair Call Center at the China Foreign Trade Center, the Economic and Commercial Counselor’s Office at Chinese embassies, or related Chinese foreign trade companies, and these channels may also assist with visa processing and badge registration. You will need a buyer’s badge to enter the venue, so complete registration early rather than relying on arranging it on arrival.
Is the Canton Fair worth attending for small buyers?
It depends on your sourcing goals. The fair is most valuable for buyers seeking ongoing supply relationships, OEM or ODM production, or the chance to compare many manufacturers in one place and assess them face to face. For a single small purchase, the travel cost rarely justifies attendance, and online sourcing is more practical. However, for a business planning to build a product line or establish a reliable component supply, meeting factories directly, inspecting samples in person, and discussing specifications with technical staff often prevents costly mistakes later.
Reviewed by Maggie Shen, Director at Legom, on July 25, 2026. This Canton Fair guide was reviewed and updated for accuracy, including the corrected 139th and 140th session numbering and the 2026 schedule.